Mobile Home Gas Water Heater Reviews: Top Picks for 2018

#1. Rheem RTG-64XLN

The RHEEM RTG-64XLN absolutely one of our favorites and will be yours as well. This is truly the “Goldilocks Model” – not too big and not too small but just right.

Cons

The biggest complaint we found about the Rheem RTG-64XLN is that it doesn’t include a high temperature/pressure relief valve, so you’ll need to either order one online or pick one up at your local hardware store. They run about $20.

Performance

This Rheem has a water-saving setting, which can save you up to 1100 gallons of water every year. It decreases the flow of water through your pipes until the temperature gets up to where you have it set, so you’re not blowing water through the pipes while waiting for it to get hot.

It’s also low-flow fixture compatible. What does that mean? When you have low-flow fixtures in your home, like a low-flow shower head, those devices slow down how fast the water travels through your pipes, so it can take a while to get hot water from the water heater to that shower head. They can really waste water because oftentimes you’ll go do something else while waiting for the shower to heat up – and leave the water running the whole time.

This is usually a problem with tankless water heaters because they take longer to deliver hot water. That combined with the restricted pipes to your low-flow showerhead can be a problem. With a low-flow fixture compatible water heater like the Rheem RTG-64XLN, that’s not a problem because it activates the water flow even if you use low-flow fixtures.

Recirculation Pump Kit-Ready

While you don’t need to use a recirculation pump with the Rheem, it’s a good idea for a few reasons. While units like this one heat up water quickly, there is still some lag time. This can be eliminated by using a recirculation pump.

Normally with a no-tank on-demand water heater, it turns on when you turn on the faucet. The water must be flowing in order for it to turn on. If you have a recirculation pump connected, cold water is returned to the hot water line, and it moves the water faster than just water pressure alone. This means you’ll get hot water to your faucet much faster.

If you choose to use a recirculation pump, Rheem has one available so you know it’s compatible, and you’ll have instantaneous hot water right out of the tap rather than having to wait.

Easy Installation and Service

One of the great things about this model is that its ½” gas line compatible, ensuring a perfect fit with your pipes. Many times your main water lines will be ¾” but narrowing down as they approach the water heater. Some units are only compatible with that ¾” pipe, making it a chore to adapt one to the other.

Another nice feature is that this unit has maintenance alerts built right in. If something needs to be done, you’ll see a warning code flashing, much like when the dash lights in your car come on, alerting you for maintenance. Along with the alerts, you’ll also find a digital display that shows the temperature setting.

Venting

If you’re putting your water heater outside, such as you would in a mobile home, it needs to be vented so the exhaust gas goes outside through the flue pipe instead of back inside. The Rheem connects to both 3” and 5” venting without having to use an adapter, which will save you a few bucks.

Technology

What happens if the unit overheats? That’s a concern with any water heater. With this in mind, the Rheem includes a patented overheat film wrap that protects the unit if there’s ever a breach in its heat exchanger. This is a very important safety feature.

It also has what’s called hot-start programming, which minimizes the fluctuation of water temperature when there is frequent on/off operation. This means the water will still be hot instead of hot-cold-hot.

While one heater suffices for most homes, as a convenience, the Rheem is also compatible if you want to use more than one. They have a cable available that easily connects them together.

There are a few other technological advancement that are incorporated as well which may influence your buying decision. First, it’s compliant with high altitudes up to an 8,400-foot elevation, so if you live in a high place you can still use it. Second, it’s very environmentally friendly and meets SCAQMD rule 1146.2 requirements.

For really cold climates, the Rheem has freeze protection down to -30F so you know it will keep working even in beyond chilly weather.

#2. Takagi T-K4-OS-NG

Getting good reviews as well, the Takagi T-K4-OS-NG a natural gas heater is the true “mighty mite” unit and is distinctively stronger than most others. This model fits all the needs for a mobile home gas water heater.

Cons

The only concern we have with this heater is that the manufacturer doesn’t have that many licensed repair professionals they can send out if something happens. If you live in a larger city you may not have this problem, but if you live in a more remote location and something goes wrong, you may just need to have your plumber take a look.

Performance & Features

The Takagi promises a Temperature Range (F): 99-167 degrees and can push up to 8 gallons per minute. Strong units usually require extra ventilation but not this guy because it will do just fine with its built-in ventilation system. Moreover, it is equipped with inlet-outlet thermistors which allow constant monitoring of your water temperature and it also has a built-in freeze protection. This is an excellent special feature!

The T-K4 improves upon many of the features from the T-K3. The T-K4 is one of Takagi’s smaller heaters. At 13.8 inches wide and weighing only 38 pounds, its ultra-compact design allows it to be mounted on a wall.

This newest Takagi model  also features an energy factor of 0.82, so it is extremely efficient and environmentally friendly. Since these water heaters only burn gas when hot water is needed, installing this unit can help homeowners save up to 45% on their monthly gas bills.

The Takagi will exceed your expectation and will serve you comfortably for years if you own a medium to small size home. You can rely on this heater to provide hot water for showers, your washing machine and your dishwasher but it will be struggling if you’re planning to push it harder. Even so, we find it a great pick for mobile home use.

#3. Rinnai V75eN

With the Rinnai V75e Natural Gas Heater, you’ll stop planning your mornings and evenings around your hot water and set your own schedule.

Cons

The only downside to the Rinnai in user reviews is that it doesn’t come with isolator and pressure relief valves, so you’ll need to pick those up prior to installing. Those together can run you about $70 and can be ordered online or picked up at your local hardware store.

Performance & Features

This Rinnai has some outstanding features, making it easy to use and with a nod to safety. First, it incorporates a temperature lock so you can prevent unauthorized or accidental changes to the water temperature.

Second, it detects water leaks and scale deposits. If it determines there is a water leak, it will shut off the water to limit any damage. If it detects water scale buildup in the unit, it will let you know so you can schedule maintenance.

For temperature settings, this model comes with the controller and can be set from 98-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Much like the Rheem, this one can also be connected to other units if necessary.

Final Thoughts

First, each of these units is designed to be mounted outside. All of these manufacturers have indoor models as well as models that run on propane or electric power. You can use either, but a unit made specifically for use outside sure saves space.

Next, we have reviewed, literally, hundreds of water heaters and these are the only 3 that made our list for top choice. You will not be unhappy with any one of these models. They are truly the best on the market today, and all are a great investment.

Since you have to choose one, our top rated pick is the Rheem RTG-64XLN. We like the way it looks, we like some of the special features, the energy savings and you can upgrade a little bit easier to a larger unit or a parallel unit in the future if you ever decide to do so.